Blinders Off

Vandeventer is not just the name of a road. It's a crucial neighborhood of the original northern half of the city! Maybe you’ve seen part of Vandeventer sitting in Forest Park. Matt and Lucas attempt to explain the murky history of its namesake and once again learn of an unsung St. Louis hero. For research and notes check out the full show notes here: bit.ly/vandeventerstl Have feedback? Did we miss something? Know something we don’t? Email us at: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com of send a message on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Find us at blindersoff.show

The Great Fire of 1849 is something of a forgotten tragedy in St. Louis history. Join your brave hosts and Christopher Alan Gordon of the Missouri Historical Society as they explore the cause and lasting effects of the "Appalling Calamity." Homegrown Guest: Josh Stevens of Reedy Press. https://www.reedypress.com/ For more info, read our show notes. Questions? Comments? Corrections? Reach out to us at BlindersOffPodcast@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Also visit our website and read our blog at BlindersOff.show

Midtown is one of St. Louis' most well - loved neighborhoods...but how well do you know the area? Can you tell the difference between “Historic Midtown”, “Midtown”, and “midtown”? Matt & Lucas explore current boundaries, historical neighborhood designations, Art Deco cop shops, as well as test their knowledge of landmarks. Check out our show notes for additional information. Questions? Comments? Email us at BlindersOffPodcast@gmail.com, or reach out to us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter Original photos by Russell Ward, Landmark Mashup illustration by Missi Adair. Find us at blindersoff.show

What is CBD? And why is it on sale seemingly everywhere? Is it legal? What does the future of medical marijuana mean for this new, popular business? Follow Matt & Lucas as they dig into Farm Bills, talk to CBD retailers, visit a research lab, and learn about the history and future of CBD treats (who doesn’t like Gummy Bears?) Visit us at: www.blindersoff.show Additional show notes and research are available here: http://bit.ly/blindersoffCBD Send us feedback, thoughts, and ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com Interview guests include: Dr. Sandra Leal Chair of the Department of Mathematics & Natural Sciences Associate Professor of Biology, at Harris-Stowe State University. http://go.hssu.edu/rsp_content.cfm?wid=35&pid=469 Jonathan Bruntrager Bruntrager & Billings https://law-stl.com/ Dana Shaw 8 Borders CBD https://www.8borders.com/ Kelly Christensen Canvas Boutique and Dispensary https://cbdcanvas.com/ Anne Childers, LMT Indigo Massage Therapy https://indigomassagetherapy.com/

We are launching ongoing miniseries: STL Neighborhoods. We have 79 of them in St. Louis City. How were they formed? Where are they located? How did they get their names? We have a lot of questions. Join Matthew and Lucas as they try to learn as much as they can about the city we live in neighborhood by neighborhood. This first episode is about Marine Villa in the southern area of the city. Midtown (central) will be the next neighborhood, followed by Vandeventer. After these first three are completed will choose the neighborhood by a randomization app. For research and notes check out the full show notes here: http://bit.ly/marinevillastl Have feedback? Did we miss something? Know something we don’t? Email us at: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com of send a message on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Find us at blindersoff.show

Why do we have 79 neighborhoods in St. Louis? When did they form? How did they earn their names? How do you even make a neighborhood? These are just some of the questions we'll explore in our new miniseries: STL Neighborhoods. Each St. Louis neighborhood will get its own episode. But as we learn more we'll publish additional or supplemental episodes as well. The first three neighborhoods are: Marine Villa (South) Midtown (Central) Vandeventer (North) After those three episodes are done we will use a randomizer to pick the rest. Don't worry, though, we will continue our normal episodes as usual this miniseries. This miniseries is another way we can give you more material from Blinders Off. Join us as we explore the neighborhoods of St. Louis City!

Why did the MO 2018 Ballot contain a new amendment regarding Bingo? Join us as we learn about gambling laws, "boats in moats," and whether or not St. Louis is dealing with a nefarious "Bingo Mafia." Visit us at: www.blindersoff.show Additional show notes and research are available here: http://bit.ly/blindersoffbingo Send us feedback, thoughts, and ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com Interview guests include: Tom Murphy, President of the Association of Charitable Gaming of Missouri http://www.acgmbingo.com/ Missouri Gaming Commission, Charitable Gaming Division https://www.mgc.dps.mo.gov/FAQ_SiteLinks/div_CharGames.html Challenge Rating: Zer0 https://soundcloud.com/horace-kemp-455258902 All music and audio production provided by Audius Prime.

Should St. Louis-Lambert International Airport be privatized, or remain a public asset? Matt and Lucas delve deep into St. Louis’ unique history with aviation and wrestle with its present and future. We also speak with experts on aviation policy, and the people trying to keep aviation policy in the public’s view. And finally, we answer the burning question: Who is Moneypig? Visit our website at www.blindersoff.show View our show notes, research materials, and learn about our interview subjects. Questions? Comments? Feedback? Reach us at blindersoffshow@gmail.com Featured Guests: Cara Spencer Alderman of the 20th ward, St. Louis Ray Mundy Executive Director of the Airport Ground Transportation Association,John Barriger III Professor of Transportation Studies, and Director of the Center for Transportation Studies. Dr. Daniel L. Rust Author and Assistant Professor of Transportation and Logistics in the School of Business and Economics, author of The Aerial Crossroads of America: St Louis’ Lambert Airport. Glenn Burleigh Activist with St. Louis Not For Sale Gerry Connolly Activist, Watchdog

Who was the Veiled Prophet in 1972? And why do we get a free fireworks display in Downtown St. Louis every year? Also learn what it was like to be a Maid of Honor at a VP Ball, the crushing power of shame, and how ACTION avoided a massive lawsuit. Visit us at: www.blindersoff.show Additional show notes and research are available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1INP4ZqT4FqvqroL4v_5IeeD1oYvlbZV0JD__dO6IeI4/edit?usp=sharing For feedback, thoughts, sponsoring the show, or ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com Interview guests include: Dr. Thomas Spencer Professor of History and Dean of the Honors College, Texas A&M University at Kingsville, author of The St. Louis Veiled Prophet Celebration: Power on Parade, 1877-1995 http://www.tamuk.edu/artsci/hisphilpol/facultyandstaff/Spencer.html Lucy Ferriss Author of Unveiling the Prophet: The Misadventures of a Reluctant Debutante http://lucyferriss.com/ Joe Schwartz Author, The Veiled Prophet of Saint Louis https://www.amazon.com/Veiled-Prophet-Saint-Louis-ebook/dp/B00BZBJ5RM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=the+veiled+prophet+of+st.+louis+joe+schwarcz&qid=1550953558&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0

What is the Veiled Prophet organization? What is its history in St. Louis? Learn about the 1877 Labor Strike, debutante balls, the power of peashooters, and how a single group can help expose a closely guarded civic secret. Also, join us in our love of the term “Beloved Despot.” Visit us at: www.blindersoff.show Additional show notes and research are available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1INP4ZqT4FqvqroL4v_5IeeD1oYvlbZV0JD__dO6IeI4/edit?usp=sharing Send us for feedback, thoughts, sponsoring the show, or ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com Interview guests include: Dr. Thomas Spencer Professor of History and Dean of the Honors College, Texas A&M University at Kingsville, author of The St. Louis Veiled Prophet Celebration: Power on Parade, 1877-1995 https://www.amazon.com/St-Louis-Veiled-Prophet-Celebration/dp/0826212670/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=power+on+parade&qid=1551113323&s=gateway&sr=8-1 Joe Schwartz Author, The Veiled Prophet of Saint Louis https://www.amazon.com/Veiled-Prophet-Saint-Louis-ebook/dp/B00BZBJ5RM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=the+veiled+prophet+of+st.+louis+joe+schwarcz&qid=1550953558&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Why recreate Victorian era funeral practices? What do antique traditions have to teach us in the modern day? In our final episode of 2018, we also explore the myths and facts surrounding “dead ringers,” the decline of the Campbell Family, leeches, and post-mortem photography. Visit us at www.blindersoff.show Additional show notes and research available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gBgyntxGzIc8h4wUKgurRzdCpt_5ssMR7MWveQXqpoI/edit?usp=sharing Send us feedback, thoughts, and ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com Interview guests include: Katherine Kozemczak, http://www.mourningsociety.com/ John Avery, http://www.mourningsociety.com/ Hughes Funeral Alternatives, LLC: Our Homegrown guest offers Flameless Cremation, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation services. http://hughesfuneralalternatives.com/

The Victorian Mourning Society recreates an authentic St. Louis Funeral from the mid-1860’s. Follow us as we learn about the process of a traditional funeral during one of the most disastrous years in the City’s history. We also explore the life and demise of the 56th Colored Infantry of the Union Army. Visit us at www.blindersoff.show Additional show notes and research available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gBgyntxGzIc8h4wUKgurRzdCpt_5ssMR7MWveQXqpoI/edit?usp=sharing Send us feedback, thoughts, and ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com Special Thanks to the Mourning Society of St. Louis: The VMS authentically recreates Victorian Funerals and era-specific events meant to educate and entertain. http://www.mourningsociety.com/ Hughes Funeral Alternatives, LLC: Our Homegrown guest offers Flameless Cremation, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation services. http://hughesfuneralalternatives.com/

Win free custom neighborhood prints!

Are we "overparked"? This might sound like an absurd question...until you research why and how the quality of St. Louis City Parks can vary so widely. In this episode, join Matt & Lucas as they explore the funding mechanisms that feed or starve parks, the history and operation of one of the city's crown jewels, and help us determine whether we have too much green space, or are lucky to have it! Parkscore A handy guide to measuring the size and quality of parks, great for your civics wonks and favorite researchers! https://parkscore.tpl.org/rankings_advanced.php#sm.00001obra6qb6udk8s03iat9qw0h7 Additional show notes and research available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V_Ev2ItzObk0pAsQuO5emqexUqTOg40hO_VqeDo5pD4/edit?usp=sharing Send us feedback, thoughts, and ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com Interview guests include: Bill Reininger Executive Director at Tower Grove Park https://www.towergrovepark.org/directory/ Kimberlee Haegele Parks Commissioner (2nd in command to the Director of Parks) https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/profiles/greg-hayes.cfm Park Picnic Project Local park enthusiasts who documented every park in St. Louis, and huge fans of picnic dining. https://www.instagram.com/parkpicnicproject/ http://parks.bestl.org/ Locality Studio Design firm, printmaking, art, and more! They feature city designs including St. Louis. Great gifts for any city lover, but especially cool watercolor designs featuring STL and it’s neighborhoods. https://localitystudio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/localitystudio/

It's a one year anniversary for Blinders Off. We take a look back at Shotspotter, the gunfire detection technology St. Louis and major cities all over the US employ in the effort to reduce violent crime. We also talk to Jane Darst about NIBIN, a ballistics database for police and prosecutors. This is a mini-episode/update! Visit us at: http://www.blindersoff.show Our guests were: Jane Darst Police Prosecutor Partnership Initiative Grant Program Coordinator Lt. Colby Dolly Lieutenant at the St. Louis County Police Additional show notes and research are available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VkTgZWtSOMqVF2woWWLrBzj85wieA2dQADbfXsoPLOE/edit#heading=h.pfilhdqvsf1u Send us feedback, thoughts, and ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com

Our city is and has been a biking city. Don't believe us? We've got several stories that prove our point, including the 25th Bicycling Infantry, the Velodrome repairs, Bike sharing, Bworks, Ghost Bikes, and the upcoming Greenway Chouteau expansion. Join us as we explore the Twitter Troll horrors of Limebike fails, the City's permit for Bike sharing, the future of bicycling paths in St. Louis, and more. Visit us at: http://www.blindersoff.show Additional show notes and research are available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14cwU5Gp-M9jKrAHfuhXpFIhQ3_q0FYjNjRANGacjf_E/edit?usp=sharing Send us feedback, thoughts, and ideas for episodes: blindersoffpodcast@gmail.com Watch the "Velodrone" video here: https://youtu.be/ddOMB3ZdtUE Interview guests include: Patrick Van Der Tuin https://twitter.com/StlBicycleWorks Executive Director at Bworks, Creator of the first Ghost Bike http://www.bworks.org Scott Ogilvie https://twitter.com/ward24stl Alderman of the 24th Ward, Cyclist Deana Venker https://twitter.com/stlcityengineer St. Louis City Traffic Commissioner

In the 1870s, Grant's presidency was plagued by corruption. Among them, the Whiskey Ring Scandal stands out. St. Louis was the center of the illicit affair that resulted in millions stolen from the government from while simultaneously funding Grant's re-election. In some ways, however, the greed of the Gilded age hasn't gone way. Visit us at: Visit us at: http://wwww.blindersoff.show Show notes and research are available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J6Hggk0Mz0qk1765n2PzGYu7DNUbfP9M4kJTM9pkOyo/edit?usp=sharing

We explore the ways St. Louis loves and hates graffiti and other forms of public art. Visit us at: http://wwww.blindersoff.show Guests include: Wendell Phillips Berwick III Artist http://www.treetoons.com Jacquelyn Lewis-Harris Former UMSL Professor, now independent curator Carol Klein Author http://www.paintingforpeacebook.com Brightside STL http://www.brightsidestl.org DrRehab13 Chiropractor by day, rehabber by night https://www.instagram.com/drrehab13/ More info in the show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Stti1ZOp_yxgR91Cw0hEl3vNSndl9zZTjV0lYSigpzE/edit?usp=sharing

Lucas and Matthew investigate the St. Louis Stop, the notorious Compton Balls, and why STL streets are so weird. Visit us at our new website: blindersoff.show Show notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y0L9tV16E8boyUOPIOia9nxNQh7tTwRGLoFTLPr8qM4/edit?usp=sharing Guests include: Valerie Battle Kienzel, Author https://www.amazon.com/Valerie-Battle-Kienzle/e/B00DWNTOD6 http://www.valeriebattlekienzle.com/ Michael Allen, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Landscape Architecture and Lecturer in American Culture Studies at Washington University in St. Louis http://www.michael-allen.org/ Ellen Wottrich, Meet the City https://www.meetthecity.org/ Also, WITAF: https://www.evernote.com/l/AQKpNffU389ArrpyteViO4g7cOybF_YGz1I

Lucas and Matthew explore homeless recovery and aid in St. Louis. Visit us at: http://wwww.blindersoff.show Start Here, an excellent resource guide for homeless services: http://www.startherestl.org/ Guests: Bobbi “Cici” Holt with Hope For Tomorrow Ministries https://www.facebook.com/steveandcici.holt Eddie Roth, Lawyer, Former Director of Human Services https://twitter.com/eddieroth Zak MT Standridge, Author https://www.amazon.com/Zak-MT-Standridge/e/B076BYK99J Gene Schmitt, Senior Director of Coordinated Entry at Biddle Housing Opportunities Center Julie Straussman at Kingdom House http://www.kingdomhouse.org/ Emily Ludwig and Linda Alexander at Places for People https://www.placesforpeople.org/ Holly Schroeder with St. Louis Winter Outreach https://www.stlwinteroutreach.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/StLouisWinterOutreac/about/ Show notes with research and additional information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yOhTFDsLPbTbA2kOtYW_H3vhaF9R0fHyN1XSRelhkpo/edit